Legal Department Internship:

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) was established in 1974 to better respond to the County’s need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services, and daycare.

Job Description:

The Legal Department is seeking a detail‑oriented, research‑driven intern to support legal functions across the agency. This internship opportunity will offer you an avenue to contribute to the mission of HOC and to network with employees and clients who share the common goal of providing affordable housing and supportive services to the community. You will also gain valuable experience in the legal field while enhancing the lives of low‑ and moderate‑income families and individuals throughout Montgomery County, Maryland.

This role is ideal for students interested in real estate, contracts, and corporate governance.. Interns gain exposure to real‑world legal processes by assisting attorneys and legal staff with research, document preparation, policy review, and case file organization.

Responsibilities:

As a Legal Intern at HOC, your work experience will primarily focus on supporting the transactional side of the Commission, including drafting and reviewing resolutions, developing deal summaries, drafting documents, and assisting with insurance and risk‑related matters. You will also attend Commission meetings and shadow attorneys on various transaction‑related calls.

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Assist with drafting, proofreading, and organizing legal documents, correspondence, and memoranda.
• Conduct legal research on housing law, landlord‑tenant regulations, fair housing requirements, and related statutes.
• Support staff in maintaining case files and contracts.
• Help review policies, procedures, and regulatory updates relevant to HOC operations.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, or briefings with legal staff and internal partners.
• Provide administrative support including scheduling, document management, and data entry.
• Uphold confidentiality, ethical standards, and departmental protocols at all times.

Education:

• Currently enrolled as a JD or LLM student in a fully accredited law school. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Clear communication and attention to detail.
• Interest in transactional law, community economic development, housing law, or public sector legal work.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.

What You Will Learn:

• Exposure to legal processes within a public housing agency.
• Hands‑on experience with legal research, document drafting, and deal management.
• Insight into housing regulations, fair housing law, and administrative procedures.
• Professional development through mentorship from attorneys and legal staff.

*Pay Range: This is an unpaid internship.

HOC is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship, immigration status, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. HOC promotes a drug-free workplace.

HOC conducts criminal background checks, employment reference checks, and where applicable, reviews driving records to determine employment suitability. Selected applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Employment is contingent upon drug and alcohol test results.